14 June 2012

Asset sales law should be delayed until public has say

The Government’s asset sales law should be put on ice until the public have their say in a referendum says the Keep Our Assets coalition, who are collecting signatures for a citizens initiated referendum opposing the sell down of publically owned power companies and Air New Zealand.

The Mixed Ownership Model Bill is back in Parliament today for its second reading.

“There is strong public opposition to the sale of our assets. The Government needs to slow down, listen to the people and put the sales on ice,” said Grey Power President and Keep Our Assets Coalition spokesperson Roy Reid.

“From Kaitaia to Bluff everyday New Zealanders are signing the referendum petition and getting involved in the campaign. Those people deserve to have their voice heard.”

“There is no one clamouring to sell the assets, but there is plenty of people saying no. We already have tens of thousands of petition signatures and they are flooding in.”

“The change of heart over class sizes shows the Government can listen to public opposition. They should do the same with asset sales and allow the referendum to run its course.”

“We urge the Government to support amendments to the Bill that would delay any sales until after the referendum has taken place. That would be a fair thing to do,” said Reid.

ENDS

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